Cyclorama

The first cyclorama — mural in the round — that I ever saw was in Mesdag in the Hague. My good friend, Liza showed it to me and it opened my eyes to ways murals can be viewed. This one was painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag in the 18th century. When Vincent Van Gogh saw it in 1881, he said, “Panorama Mesdag is the most beautiful sensation of my life. It has just one tiny flaw and that is its flawlessness.” (as posted on the Mesdag Museum website at the above link)

I am so happy that there is one closer to me now re-opening after five painstaking years of renovation. Gettysburg’s original cyclorama was first painted by in 1914 by French artist Paul Dominique Phillippoteaux. Here’s a link to show how the actual conservation was done. Luckily for us, we can stay with good friends while we’re visiting.

Since tomorrow is an historic day, I thought this post was worth posting, for the sake of noting that not only are historic-elections recorded for posterity’s sake. However it will pan out, it will be remembered. I just hope we learn some lessons from the outcome — some history is not worth repeating. The battle has been intense and I’m glad it will be over.

On a personal note, I think it is uncanny to note that both sets of these good friends associated with the various cycloramas mentioned above are dealing with historic personal crises of their own. My husband and I are linked by their trauma — one having just experienced an unexpected family tragedy and the other slowly and painfully in the process of ending one. It’s enough to make you thank your everyday blessings over and over again all while being as supportive a friend as possible.

I’ll end where I started, with cycloramas — artistic circles that depict life — more meaningful than just the medium.